Enhancing Medical Student-Interpreter Collaboration in an Urban Free Clinic

Background and Objectives: Cultural barriers and patient-provider language discordance exert deleterious effects on patient care. One solution has been the integration of medical interpreters into the care of patients with limited English proficiency. While medical schools and residency programs have started developing training programs on how to work with medical interpreters, no similar endeavor has been reported by student-run free clinics. Methods: Over 1 year, 76 third-year medical students (MS3s) were enrolled in control and intervention groups, and evaluated by in-person interpreters during interpreted real-patient encounters. MS3s in the intervention group received a lesson- and reminder-based training program on how to work with in-person interpreters. Results: MS3s who received the intervention were more likely to ask the patient one question at a time (odds ratio [OR] 3.54, P=.0079), listen to the interpreter without unnecessary interruption (OR 3.30, P=.022), and speak in short, simple sentences with pauses for interpretation (OR 3.08, P=.017). Conclusions: Our lesson- and reminder-based training program on provider-interpreter collaboration can improve the performance of MS3s within a select skill set with minimal cost and time investment.

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Overcoming the language barrier: a novel curriculum for training medical students as volunteer medical interpreters

BMC Medical Education ◽

10.1186/s12909-021-03081-0 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Erik S Carlson ◽

Tatiana M Barriga ◽

Dale Lobo ◽

Guadalupe Garcia ◽

Dayana Sanchez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Training Program ◽

Limited English Proficiency ◽

Code Of Ethics ◽

The United States ◽

Language Barrier ◽

University Hospital ◽

Spanish Speaking ◽

Medical Interpreters ◽

Interpreter Training

Abstract Background Over 41 million people in the United States speak Spanish as their primary language, of which 16 million have limited English proficiency (LEP). It is well-established that language barriers contribute to health disparities and that the use of ad-hoc interpretation by untrained family members results in substandard care. We developed a novel interpreter training program for medical students to serve as in-person interpreters at a charitable, resident continuity clinic so as to overcome the language barrier in the delivery of healthcare to LEP patients. Methods The Medical Student Interpreter Training Program (MSITP) consists of three steps. First, fluent Spanish-speaking students shadowed a licensed interpreter. Second, students took a standardized phone exam to demonstrate language proficiency. Finally, students completed a three-hour training on the methodology and ethics of interpreting conducted by the Department of Interpreter Services. Results Pre- and post-tests were administered to assess students’ familiarity with the Interpreter Code of Ethics and interpreter skills. Familiarity with the Interpreter Code of Ethics increased significantly with all students reporting feeling comfortable (47%) or very comfortable (53%) after training. The pre- and post-tests included free response questions, which were administered to assess competence in the methodology and ethics of interpreting. The cohort’s aggregate score increased by 35% after the training (Wilcoxon signed rank z-score = 2.53; p = .01). Conclusions Implementing the MSITP resulted in an increased number of trained, Spanish-speaking interpreters available to provide their services to LEP patients at an affiliated charitable clinic and throughout the university hospital. Unlike other program models which are time and resource-intensive, this program is replicable and easily managed by volunteers. The MSITP is an effective model for training students as medical interpreters to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare for LEP patients.

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Improving nurses’ readiness for evidence-based practice in critical care units: results of an information literacy training program

BMC Nursing ◽

10.1186/s12912-021-00599-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jamileh Farokhzadian ◽

Somayeh Jouparinejad ◽

Farhad Fatehi ◽

Fatemeh Falahati-Marvast

Keyword(s):

Critical Care ◽

Training Program ◽

Information Literacy ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Literacy Skills ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Control Groups ◽

Critical Care Units ◽

Literacy Training ◽

Information Literacy Skills

Abstract Background One of the most important prerequisites for nurses’ readiness to implement Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is to improve their information literacy skills. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a training program on nurses’ information literacy skills for EBP in critical care units. Methods In this interventional study, 60 nurses working in critical care units of hospitals affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences were randomly assigned into the intervention or control groups. The intervention group was provided with information literacy training in three eight-hour sessions over 3 weeks. Data were collected using demographic and information literacy skills for EBP questionnaires before and 1 month after the intervention. Results At baseline, the intervention and control groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics and information literacy skills for EBP. The training program significantly improved all dimensions of information literacy skills of the nurses in the intervention group, including the use of different information resources (3.43 ± 0.48, p < 0.001), information searching skills and the use of different search features (3.85 ± 0.67, p < 0.001), knowledge about search operators (3.74 ± 0.14, p < 0.001), and selection of more appropriate search statement (x2 = 50.63, p = 0.001) compared with the control group. Conclusions Nurses can learn EBP skills and apply research findings in their nursing practice in order to provide high-quality, safe nursing care in clinical settings. Practical workshops and regular training courses are effective interventional strategies to equip nurses with information literacy skills so that they can apply these skills to their future nursing practice.

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Addressing the Needs of Migrant Workers in ICUs in Singapore

Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development ◽

10.1177/2382120520977190 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. 238212052097719

Author(s):

Crystal Lim ◽

Jamie Xuelian Zhou ◽

Natalie Liling Woong ◽

Min Chiam ◽

Lalit Kumar Radha Krishna

Keyword(s):

Migrant Workers ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Migrant Worker ◽

Minority Group ◽

Group Discussion ◽

Cultural Barriers ◽

Medical Terminology ◽

Singapore General Hospital ◽

Medical Interpreters ◽

General Wards

Background: With nearly 400 000 migrant workers in Singapore, many from Bangladesh, India and Myanmar, language and cultural barriers posed a great many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was especially so as majority of the COVID-19 clusters in Singapore emerged from their communal dormitories. With concerns arising as to how this minority group could be best cared for in the intensive care units, the need for medical interpreters became clear. Main: In response, the Communication and Supportive Care (CSC) workgroup at the Singapore General Hospital developed the ‘Medical Interpreters Training for ICU Conversations’ program. Led by a medical social worker-cum-ethicist and 2 palliative care physicians, twenty volunteers underwent training. The program comprised of 4 parts. Firstly, volunteers were provided with an overview of challenges within the COVID-19 isolation ICU environment. Discussed in detail were common issues between patients and families, forms of distress faced by healthcare workers, family communication modality protocols, and the sociocultural demographics of Singapore’s migrant worker population. Secondly, key practice principles and ‘Do’s/Don’ts’ in line with the ethical principles of medical interpretation identified by the California Healthcare Interpreters Association were shared. Thirdly, practical steps to consider before, during and at the end of each interpretation session were foregrounded. Lastly, a focus group discussion on the complexities of ICU cases and their attending issues was conducted. Targeted support was further provided in response to participant feedback and specific issues raised. Conclusion: As a testament to its efficacy, the program has since been extended to the general wards and the Ministry of Health in Singapore has further commissioned similar programs in various hospitals. In-depth training on the fundamentals of medical terminology, language and cultural competency should be provided to all pertinent healthcare workers and hospitals should consider hiring medical interpreters in permanent positions.

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Effect of a brief training program for primigravid adolescents on parenting self-efficacy and mother-infant bonding in the southeast of Iran

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health ◽

10.1515/ijamh-2017-0092 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zahra Moudi ◽

Behjat Talebi ◽

Mahnaz Shahraki Pour

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Training Program ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Routine Care ◽

Control Group ◽

Middle Income ◽

Brief Training ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Limited Health

Abstract Background Annually, about 16 million adolescent girls give birth, accounting for 11% of all births worldwide. Ninety-five percent of these births occur in low- and middle-income countries, and previous studies have addressed the need for parenting interventions in developing countries with limited health care resources to improve parenting behaviors. Objective To explore the effect of a brief training program for primigravid adolescents on parenting self-efficacy and mother-infant bonding. Subjects We enrolled 116 married pregnant adolescents. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted during August 22, 2016–February 3, 2017. The intervention group received three sessions of training on neonatal care, while the control group received the routine care. We evaluated parenting self-efficacy using the Perceived Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy (PMP S-E) questionnaire, the mother-infant bonding using the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) and social support by means of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The participants were followed up for 1 month. Results The mean ages of the intervention and the control groups were 16.37 ± 0.97 and 16.27 ± 1.12 years, respectively. The intervention group obtained higher self-efficacy and bonding scores compared to the control group. The logistic regression model showed that the second (evoking behaviors) and the third (reading behavior or signaling) subscales of the PMP S-E, the route of delivery and women’s educational levels could predict the mother-infant bonding scores. Conclusion Primigravid adolescents can benefit from brief interventions during pregnancy through improving their parenting self-efficacy and mother-infant bonding.

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Brief online mindfulness training for medical students: a randomized control study

International Journal of Whole Person Care ◽

10.26443/ijwpc.v9i1.337 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 40-41

Author(s):

Sarah Moore ◽

Denese Playford ◽

Hanh Ngo ◽

Rita Barbour ◽

Kirsten Auret ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Training Program ◽

Mindfulness Meditation ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mindfulness Training ◽

Randomised Control Trial ◽

Meditation Practice ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Study Engagement

BACKGROUNDMedical students experience high levels of stress during their training. Literature suggests that mindfulness can reduce stress and increase self-compassion levels in medical students. However, most mindfulness training programs are delivered face-to-face and require significant time commitments, which can be challenging for rurally-based students with heavy academic workloads and limited support networks. PURPOSETo evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a brief online Mindfulness training program for medical students based in rural areas, with regards to reducing stress, increasing self-compassion, mindfulness and study engagement. METHODSThis is a non-registered randomised control trial. Participants included both urban and rural medical students from UWA, University of Notre Dame and the RCSWA from 2018-2020. Participants were randomised to the intervention group, an 8-week online mindfulness training program, or the control group. Using quantitative-qualitative mixed-methods approach, we measured the frequency, duration and quality of the participants mindfulness meditation practice, and assessed changes in their perceived stress, self-compassion, mindfulness and study engagement levels. Further, the intervention group recorded a weekly reflective journal documenting their experience of the program. RESULTS114 participants were recruited to the study. 61 were randomised to the intervention, and 53 to the control. Quantitative analysis of the frequency, duration and quality of mindfulness meditation practice and changes in stress, self-compassion, mindfulness and study engagement is currently being conducted. Preliminary qualitative results reveal that participants experienced increased self-awareness, more mindfulness of their day-to-day activities, improved emotional regulation and increased productivity, while also facing difficulties with making time for their mindfulness practice. CONCLUSIONWe anticipate that this study will demonstrate that an online mindfulness training program tailored to reach rurally located medical students is feasible and effective in modifying their stress levels and psychological wellbeing.

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Studying the Effectiveness of Prevention Training Program of Drug Abuse on Reducing Risk Factors in Soldiers and Staffs

Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala ◽

10.18662/rrem/34 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (1.SP) ◽

pp. 20

Author(s):

Parviz DABAGHI ◽

Seyyed-Javad HOSSEINI-SHOKOUH ◽

Reza SHAHRABADI

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Drug Abuse ◽

Training Program ◽

Life Skills ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Skills Training ◽

Demographic Variables ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Prevention Training

Background and objective: Drug abuse is one of the diseases that are highly dependent on individual behaviors and social interactions. This disease can be created in places like military garrisons due to their relationship with such behaviors. Therefore, soldiers and staffs are at risk of drug abuse. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prevention training program of drug abuse on reducing risk factors in soldiers and staffs in Iran.Methods:In this quasi-experimental interventional study, 392 soldiers and staffs in two military garrisons in Khorasan Razavi (Intervention group 242 and control group 150) were randomly conducted to training program. The data collection tools were questionnaire of identifying people in risk of addiction, life skills questionnaire and demographic variables. The questionnaires were completed as self-report. Educational content was consisted of seven training sessions (60-minute) that only applied in the intervention group. 45 days after the last training session, educational software was distributed as a reminder in the intervention group. The two groups were followed up three months after the intervention. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.Results: The findings showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in demographic variables (Pvalue>0.05). The mean scores for risk factors on drug abuse after training program (Depression and feeling of inability, Positive attitude toward drug abuse and Anxiety and fearing of others) were significantly improved in the intervention group (Pvalue<0.05). Also, life skills variables except the problem solving skill (Pvalue>0.05) had a significant change after intervention in the intervention group (Pvalue<0.05).Conclusion:The findings indicated that the prevention training program of drug abuse based on life skills training could reduce the risk factors of drug abuse for soldiers and staffs in military garrisons.

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Flexible Residency Programs for Women

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.75.5.991b ◽

1985 ◽

Vol 75 (5) ◽

pp. 991-992

Author(s):

NAOMI UCHIYAMA

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

American Academy ◽

Training Program ◽

Residency Training ◽

Training Programs ◽

The United States ◽

Residency Programs ◽

Pediatric Residency ◽

American Academy Of Pediatrics

To the Editor.— I am a member of the Committee on Women in Pediatrics of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The Committee recently studied the availability of flexible training and retraining programs in pediatric residency programs in the United States. We sent a questionnaire to the directors of the 292 pediatric training programs listed in the Directory of Residency Training Programs. At present, 200 of the 292 (68.5%) have a flexible training program. However, only two of these programs have this as a written policy; one such program was developed in 1973 and, in practice, this program was individually designed.

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Effect of a Combined Program of Strength and Dual Cognitive-Motor Tasks in Multiple Sclerosis Subjects

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17176397 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (17) ◽

pp. 6397

Author(s):

Carmen Gutiérrez-Cruz ◽

F.Javier Rojas-Ruiz ◽

Juan Carlos De la Cruz-Márquez ◽

Marcos Gutiérrez-Dávila

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Training Program ◽

Force Measurement ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Daily Activities ◽

Control Group ◽

Motor Tasks ◽

Dual Tasking ◽

Combined Training ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients

This study investigated the effects of a 24-week combined training program (CTP) based on strength exercises and cognitive–motor tasks performed concurrently in participants with multiple sclerosis. A randomized, controlled intervention study was carried out. In total, 31 subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (14 men and 17 women) were stratified and randomized into an intervention group (17 subjects) and a control group (14 subjects). The intervention group completed three weekly training sessions for 24 weeks, while the control group pursued their normal daily activities. In this program, cognitive–motor tasks were completed at once (dual tasking). A 3D photogrammetry connected to a selective attention system designed for dual tasking while walking was used. Ground reaction forces were measured using two force plates, one for sit-to-stand testing, while the other was used for static force measurement. Postural equilibrium was examined using a stabilometric plate based for Romberg test assessment. The 24-week training program for multiple sclerosis patients improved their static peak force by 11% (p < 0 .05), their rate of force development by 36% (p < 0.05), and their balance (p < 0.05). Performance in daily activities such as walking or sitting-to-standing improved significantly in multiple sclerosis participants. CTP training was effective in reducing the dual-task costs of step length (48%) and walking velocity (54%), as compared to a matched control group.

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How to Improve the Functional Capacity of Frail and Pre-Frail Elderly People? Health, Nutritional Status and Exercise Intervention. The EXERNET-Elder 3.0 Project

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12156246 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (15) ◽

pp. 6246 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ángel Iván Fernández-García ◽

Alba Gómez-Cabello ◽

Ana Moradell ◽

David Navarrete-Villanueva ◽

Jorge Pérez-Gómez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Exercise Training ◽

Training Program ◽

Functional Capacity ◽

Exercise Intervention ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Residual Effects ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Habits ◽

Exercise Training Program ◽

Frail Elderly People

Aging is associated with the impairment of health and functional capacity, and physical exercise seems to be an effective tool in frailty prevention and treatment. The purpose of this study was to present the methodology used in the EXERNET-Elder 3.0 project that aims to evaluate the immediate and residual effects and of a multicomponent exercise training program called Elder-fit on frailty, fitness, body composition and quality of life, and also to analyse a possible dietary intake interaction according to health and metabolic status. A total of 110 frail and pre-frail elders participated in this study and were divided into a control group (CG = 52) and an intervention group (IG = 58). The IG performed a supervised multicomponent exercise training program of 6 months and 3 days per week, which included strength, endurance, balance, coordination and flexibility exercises, while the CG continued with their usual daily activities. Both groups received four speeches about healthy habits along the project. Four evaluations were performed: at baseline, after 3 months of training, at the end of the training program (6 months) and 4 months after the program had ended to examine the effects of detraining. Evaluating the efficacy, safety and feasibility of this program will help to develop efficacious physical interventions against frailty. Further, protocols should be described accurately to allow exercise programs to be successfully replicated.

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Utility of a standardized training program for endoscopic diagnosis of early gastrointestinal neoplasia

Endoscopy International Open ◽

10.1055/a-0854-3525 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 07 (04) ◽

pp. E452-E458 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Philip Chiu ◽

Yasushi Sano ◽

Noriya Uedo ◽

Rajvinder Singh ◽

Enders Ng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Healthcare Cost ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Endoscopic Diagnosis ◽

Basic Knowledge ◽

Colonic Neoplasia ◽

Post Test ◽

Live Demonstration ◽

Bio Imaging

Abstract Background and study aims Image enhanced endoscopy (IEE) allows endoscopists to improve recognition and characterization of gastrointestinal neoplasia. The Asian Novel Bio-Imaging and Intervention Group (ANBIG) conducted a standardized training program in endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of early gastrointestinal cancers in Asia. We embarked on a study to investigate the effect of this module on endoscopic diagnosis of early gastrointestinal neoplasia. Methods This prospectively collected database was from workshops conducted on training for endoscopic diagnosis of early gastrointestinal neoplasia. All workshops were conducted in a standardized format, which included a pretest, a learning phase consisting of didactic lectures, case discussion, and live demonstration followed by a post-test to assess knowledge gained. The pretest and post-training tests were standardized questions addressing four domains, including basic knowledge of imaging and diagnosis of esophageal, gastric, and colonic neoplasia. Results From November 2013 to November 2016, 41 ANBIG workshops were conducted in 13 countries. A total of 1863 delegates and 40 faculty participated in these workshops. Of the delegates, 627 completed both tests. There was a significant improvement after training in all domains of the tests. There was a trend in general lack of knowledge across all domains for delegates from “low” healthcare cost countries before training. All delegates demonstrated significant improvement in knowledge of all domains after the workshop irrespective of whether they were from “high” or “low” healthcare cost per capita countries. Conclusion A standardized teaching program on IEE improved the diagnostic ability and quality of endoscopists in recognizing early gastrointestinal neoplasia in Asia.

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